The Green Bridge

From the earliest public consultations, which informed the plans to complete the park for the millennium, one of the problems identified with the Park was its fragmentation. A number of roads and railway viaducts dissected the Park into a series of small areas. Because of this, for many people, the whole area was not really perceived as one complete Park.

Consequently, an important task for the Park's design team was to look at ways of consolidating the Park as a homogenous unit. An important first step was to design a main pathway running its entire length, in places linking with the canal towpath. However, when it came to crossing the Mile End Road a more ambitious alternative was sought. At the first community planning weekend for the park in 1995, local resident and architect Piers Gough became very excited by an idea from another resident for a “green bridge” to traverse the Mile End Road. His excitement was turned into reality and today this wide and structure allows trees and grass to grow on top and has created a safe park link for cyclists and pedestrians over a busy road to both sides of Mile End Park.

Underneath the bridge a hub of shops and restaurants there are a number of shops and restaurants, giving opportunities for visitors to shop for their own picnic or have something to eat and drink.

In 2012 the bridge benefited from restoration works included brighter lighting, more natural play areas, better seating, additional plantations, and a new walk path.